The Best Private Schools in Burlington, Kentucky
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Covington Catholic High School
Diocese of Covington
Covington Catholic High School is a highly-regarded all-male Catholic college preparatory school serving Northern Kentucky families, including those in Burlington. With a 100% college acceptance rate and strong academic traditions, the school offers rigorous Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Parents consistently praise the school's strong community values, dedicated faculty, and exceptional college preparation outcomes.
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Villa Madonna Academy
Private Independent School
Villa Madonna Academy provides a comprehensive PreK-12 education with strong Catholic traditions and academic excellence. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Notable programs include advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. Families from Burlington appreciate the close-knit community atmosphere and the school's track record of preparing students for top colleges and universities.
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St. Henry District High School
Diocese of Covington
St. Henry District High School is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving Northern Kentucky communities including Burlington. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and robust fine arts programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, students receive personalized attention and strong academic support. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science labs, and athletic complexes. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its academic rigor, faith-based environment, and successful college placement record.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burlington, Kentucky
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Burlington, Kentucky?
While Burlington itself is a smaller community, families here have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate Northern Kentucky region. The most prominent are Covington Catholic High School (all-boys, grades 9-12), Villa Madonna Academy (co-ed, preschool-12), and St. Henry District High School (co-ed, 9-12). These schools are located in nearby cities like Park Hills, Villa Hills, and Erlanger, respectively, and are common choices for Burlington residents. It's important to note that Burlington does not host a major private K-12 campus within its city limits, so commuting to these neighboring communities is the standard expectation.
How does the Kentucky Tax Credit Scholarship Program affect private school tuition for Burlington families?
A key financial consideration for Kentucky residents is the Education Opportunity Account (EOA) program, funded by tax-credit scholarships. Families in Burlington with students attending participating private schools (like those mentioned) may qualify for financial assistance if their household income is up to 175% of the federal limit for reduced-price meals. These accounts can help cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. It's crucial to check with your chosen school's financial aid office to confirm their participation and your eligibility, as this state-specific program can significantly reduce the net cost of private education.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private high schools serving the Burlington, KY area?
Private schools in this area often have distinct strengths. Covington Catholic is renowned for its robust STEM programs and championship-caliber athletics. Villa Madonna Academy, with an on-campus Montessori program for younger grades, emphasizes a continuous Catholic education from preschool through high school and has a strong focus on liberal arts. St. Henry District High School is known for its acclaimed arts programs, including theater and music, and its competitive academic teams. All three schools offer extensive college preparatory curricula and have deep ties to the local Catholic community, which is a significant cultural feature of Northern Kentucky.
What is the typical enrollment and admissions timeline for private high schools near Burlington, Kentucky?
The process for schools like Covington Catholic, Villa Madonna, and St. Henry typically begins a full year before intended entry. Open houses are held in the fall (September-November), with application deadlines often set in early winter (January-February) for the following academic year. Placement tests or entrance exams for high school are usually scheduled for January. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are commonly communicated in early spring. For families in Burlington, it's essential to plan ahead, as these schools draw from a wide regional area and spaces can be competitive, especially for incoming freshman classes.
How do the class sizes and community environment of Northern Kentucky private schools compare to Boone County public schools for a Burlington resident?
For a child in Burlington, attending a Boone County public school (like Burlington's own Kelly Elementary or Camp Ernst Middle) offers the convenience of a very local, large-district environment. The primary draw of the private options is significantly smaller class sizes, often 15-20 students compared to 25-30+ in public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. The private school community is often described as tight-knit, with a consistent values-based education (typically Catholic) from kindergarten through 12th grade, which differs from the secular and more demographically diverse public system. The trade-off is the commute and tuition cost versus the locally funded and highly-rated Boone County public schools.
Private Education Insights
Discover Burlington's Top Private Elementary Schools: A Parent's Guide
If you’re a parent in Burlington, Kentucky, typing “private elementary schools near me” into a search engine, you’re likely seeking more than just a list of names. You’re looking for a community, a specific educational philosophy, and a foundation for your child that aligns with your family’s values. The search for the right fit in our area is a meaningful journey, and understanding the local landscape is the first step. While Burlington itself is a wonderful, family-centric community within Boone County, the immediate area is rich with highly-regarded private institutions, many of which have deep roots and serve multiple generations of local families.
It’s important to note that several of the most prominent schools you’ll hear about, like Covington Catholic High School, Villa Madonna Academy, and St. Henry District High School, are indeed fantastic options, but they begin at the secondary level. Your search for elementary education will often lead you to their partner or feeder schools, which are integral to the Northern Kentucky Catholic school system. For instance, many families aiming for these esteemed high schools first enroll their children at associated elementary schools like St. Joseph in Crescent Springs, Blessed Sacrament in Ft. Mitchell, or St. Pius X in Edgewood. These schools provide a seamless, values-based education from a young age, creating a continuous pathway through eighth grade.
Beyond the parochial network, your search for “private elementary schools near me” in the Burlington area should also consider the unique benefits of a smaller, independent environment. While options directly within Burlington’s city limits for private elementary are more limited, the short drive to neighboring communities opens doors. Schools like Summit Country Day School’s Lower School, though a bit farther in Cincinnati, offer a rigorous independent curriculum. Closer to home, exploring Montessori-based programs or other faith-based academies in nearby Florence, Union, or Walton can provide the tailored, attentive setting you desire. The commute from Burlington is often straightforward, making these schools a viable part of your daily routine.
As you evaluate options, consider the local context that matters to Burlington families. Our community values strong academics, character development, and a safe, nurturing environment. When visiting schools, ask about their approach to fostering resilience and kindness, not just test scores. Inquire about how they incorporate the values of our tight-knit Northern Kentucky community into their classrooms. Also, practical considerations like transportation, after-school care programs, and extracurricular opportunities that align with your child’s interests are crucial. Many local private schools offer robust sports, arts, and community service programs starting in the elementary years, which can be a significant factor for active families.
Ultimately, finding the right private elementary school near Burlington is about finding a second home for your child—a place where they are known, challenged, and encouraged. We recommend moving beyond the initial online search to schedule in-person tours. There’s no substitute for feeling the atmosphere of a school, meeting the teachers, and seeing students engaged in learning. The investment you make in this search process will help ensure your child begins their educational journey on the strongest possible foundation, right here in our own community.